3 OKC Thunder players that need to factor to win Game 7
The OKC Thunder pushed the Rockets to a Game 7 and need three players to have big games to win the series.
Tonight the biggest game for the new era OKC Thunder occurs when they’ll face the Houston Rockets in a winner takes all Game 7. Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. The Rockets are an aggravating team who are better defensively than we thought coming into the match.
Given their lack of size, they also get a bit of leniency from the officials when it comes to the whistle but that’s not surprising -it’s kind of the natural tendency of the refs. Just ask Shaquille O’Neal who used to get fouled on every play but didn’t get the calls.
With two superstars to contend with on the Rockets, it means the Thunder need to be dialed in defensively. James Harden has been effective for the most part although rookie Luguentz Dort has limited him from having any huge breakout performances. Undoubtedly the pressure will be on Harden in Game 7 because it was primarily his directive that reformulated the Rockets. He’s been in this position before and another Game 7 loss will undoubtedly have repercussion as we noted in our recent post.
For the OKC Thunder, they’ll rely on more of a team ball system and strategy with the trio guard lineup being their bread and butter. Clearly, Chris Paul will be counted on to be the primary playmaker and take over late. It’s been a common trait for Paul to get everyone else involved and apply his fingerprints to the final quarter. If CP3 senses the game getting out of hand or requiring a momentum shift he’ll get more involved.
Likewise, it’s obvious Lu Dort will need to play well first via his defense on Harden but also by being smart on offense.
To win Game 7 there are the typical keys TI has noted throughout the series.
- Play the first and third quarters with energy and focus
- Defend with aggression but not fouling
- Ball and player movement
- Space the floor
- Run when there is opportunity
- Take care of the ball
- Look for key matchups to take advantage of
With those chalkboard items in mind, there is a trio of players not named Paul or Dort who’ll need to factor in this critical Game 7. Strong efforts by each could be the difference in the OKC Thunder winning the series.